GRAND RAPIDS - Regular workers finally have a voice on the airwaves in West Michigan.

Introduced as a radio program for workers by workers, "Working West Michigan" made its debut on WTKG radio in Grand Rapids last month, providing a change of pace from other radio shows that are often dominated by strictly conservative talkers.

The show is broadcast live from 8-9 a.m. on Tuesdays on 1230-AM. Hosted by WTKG radio personality Bennie Covington, the show features a regular panel of guest from the West Michigan Friends of Labor Committee, as well as special guests each week.

"This show is a great opportunity for working families in the Grand Rapids area to keep up to date on news and issues related to their everyday lives," said UAW CAP Coordinator Sue Levy, one of the show's regular panelists. "Each week, we talk about local and national current events and how they affect working families' lives, whether it's at home or at the workplace."

The West Michigan Friends of Labor Committee is composed of union representatives from throughout the Grand Rapids and West Michigan area.

"We touch on issues that every working family should be concerned about, whether they happen to be a Democrat or Republican, union or nonunion," said Buck Geno, committee director for Friends of Labor. Geno is also business manager of Plumbers, Pipe Fitters and Service Trades Local 174.

The hosts of "Working West Michigan" encourage listener participation. Guests can call into the show by dialing (616) 456-1230.

"Concerned about decreasing property values? Call the show. Having problems at work and need advice? Call the show. It doesn't matter what the topic is, we'll tackle it as long as it's related to the everyday lives of West Michigan workers and their families," Geno said.

In addition to everyday workers, call-in segments on the show feature prominent leaders in Michigan's political, labor and business communities.

Last month, one of the shows was dubbed "building trades day," and included guests like Bruce Hawley, business manager of Iron Workers Local 340 and president of the West Michigan Building Trades Council; Ed Haynor, consultant for the West Michigan Construction Alliance; Mark Mangione from Local 174; Doug Adams from Sheet Metal Workers Local 7; and Walt Christopherson from the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council.

The building trades representatives discussed issues that affect union and non-union workers alike, particularly the importance of job safety. The unionized construction industry "works together to promote safety and training," Haynor said on the show, which was broadcast Jan. 22.

Hawley said the building trades offer a wide array of careers with lots of options and extremely specialized training programs. "With our apprenticeship programs, we try to give people a shot to make construction a career," Hawley said.

Through a regular segment dubbed "Legislative Update," the show provides information for workers interested in learning more about how governmental policies at the local, state and national levels can shape the lives of themselves and their families.

"Workers often don't get enough information on how political decisions can touch their lives - all they hear are stories about horse races between politicians," said Levy, who serves as the show's resident government expert. "One of the aims we have with the program is getting everyday workers more interested in what's going on in the world of politics and government, whether it's in Grand Rapids, Lansing or Washington."

Geno said he and Levy developed the idea for the show, and sponsorship money for the program came from their unions and others. He said the show is scheduled to be on the air for 26 weeks.

"It's a little early to judge how well we're doing in the ratings, but I know we've spurred discussion on other radio shows," Geno said. "I think we're doing something that you don't find anywhere else in the country: putting on a show made specifically for people who punch the clock every day."

For more information on "Working West Michigan" or to listen to past shows, go to www.WTKG.com and enter the keyword "labor."

"WORKING WEST MICHIGAN" is a radio program on WTGK in Grand Rapids, hosted by (l-r) Sue Levy of the UAW, Buck Geno of Plumbers, Pipe Fitters and Service Trades Local 174, and Jay Egan of the Communication Workers.